Will a sleek Kodo design with more efficient and powerful engines be enough to sway consumers towards the new 2019 Mazda 3?

19 days from now, as of this writing, Mazda plans to unveil both the fourth generation 2019 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. As per a press release from Mazda they put out earlier today (Nov. 8, 2019) they’ve put up two teaser shots of what we can expect and it looks like an off-the-cuff interview with Mazda CEO Akira Marumoto with Europe Autonews confirmed some of the details about the engine as well.

The 2017 Tokyo Motor Show was the coming out party for the Kai concept, a prototype for its new modular platform where most of their Skyactiv Vehicle architecture would be built on in the following years. That concept and the production version will share most of the same design elements so we already have a good idea of what both the hatch and sedan will look like.

The real party piece for Mazda will be under the hood with its new SkyActiv-X engines. Thanks to some test drives with Mazda and other car outlets, we already know that the 2.0L Skyactiv-X engine makes an OK 188 HP and 170 lb-ft. I really think Mazda is taking a gamble on this engine so they can eke out as much MPG, diesel-like stuff, as possible, so expect some outrageous number like 40 MPG.

That Skyactiv-X engine won’t be working alone as per Auto News Europe,

It also will deliver a fuel economy improvement of more than 30 percent over a standard gasoline engine of the same displacement. The Mazda3 will be offered with the mild hybrid 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X engine or a current-generation 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline powerplant, Marumoto said.

The battery plus engine mix should be enough to see this optional 2.0L Skyactiv-X crest 205 HP without breaking a sweat.

Standard for the Mazda 3 will be a slightly larger engine, a 2.5L SkyActiv-G which currently makes 184 HP and 185 lb-ft.

Believe it or not, the Mazda 3 is Mazda’s second best selling model behind the Mazda CX-5. Mazda only has six cars in their lineup, anyways. So, ya, this new generation Mazda 3 is important.

Gas prices will only get more expensive in the coming months and I really think this new Mazda 3 will sell well if they get the high MPG’s they’re banking on.